Two Individuals Charged With Second Degree Murder in West St.Paul - Rios and Dominguez

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12/1/2015

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Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom announced that Elizabeth Rios, age 26 of St. Paul, and Jose Dominguez, age 21, also of St. Paul, have each been charged* with Murder in the Second Degree (Without Intent/While Committing a Felony) and Aggravated Robbery in the First Degree, both felonies, in connection with the fatal stabbing of Daniel Adam Wallner, age 30, of West St. Paul, on November 24, 2015, in West St. Paul.

The allegations contained in the criminal complaint reflect that this murder apparently occurred during the course of an illegal drug transaction. On November 23, 2015, Wallner told a friend that he intended to sell a large amount of marijuana to two individuals later that day and that he was concerned that the individuals who he was going to sell the marijuana to were going to rob him. From Wallner’s cellphone, investigators were able to find multiple incoming and outgoing calls on the evening of November 23 to a cellphone listed to a residence in St. Paul. On November 27, officers arrested Rios and Dominguez after they left this St. Paul home in a vehicle.

Rios told investigators that she and Dominguez had driven to a parking lot in West St. Paul the evening of November 23 to buy marijuana. After Wallner got into their car, an argument and struggle began, during which Rios pulled out a knife and stabbed Wallner. Dominguez denied any involvement in this matter.

Additional facts pertaining to this case can be found in the criminal complaints which are located online at: Criminal Complaint Search. If in custody, mug shots can be viewed at: Inmate Search.

Backstrom commented: “This appears to be another example of the violence and danger associated with the illegal drug trade in our community. Our sympathy is extended to the victim’s family and friends.” Backstrom added this is the fourth homicide charged in 2015 in Dakota County. Backstrom thanked the West St. Paul Police Department for their quick and thorough investigation of this case.

Rios and Dominguez made their first court appearances on these charges today, and bail was set in the amount of $750,000 without conditions ($500,000 with conditions). Their next court appearances are set for December 22, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. in Hastings. If you have questions, contact James Backstrom at 651-438-4438.